The Nigerian Navy has handed over nine suspected stowaways to the Nigeria Immigration Service after rescuing them from a merchant vessel in Lagos. Nigerian Navy Ship Beecroft effected the handover on Friday.

The suspects were discovered two days earlier, on Wednesday, August 19, concealed in the propeller compartment of MT Evgenia. They were evacuated to NNS Beecroft for preliminary investigation and profiling.
According to the base Commander, Commodore Aiwuyor Adams-Aliu, investigations showed that the suspects boarded the vessel while it was berthed at Flour Mills Jetty in Apapa. They allegedly intended to travel to Europe illegally.

The nine men were identified as Thompson Vincent, 23; Emmanuel Philip, 24; Tobi Olalekan, 32; Omotayo Adebowale, 43; Abdullahi Idowu, 21; Tunde Mustapha, 19; Jamiu Ismaila, 25; Ibrahim Alabi, 30; and Christian Kadiri, 22.

Adams-Aliu described the handover as part of ongoing collaboration among security agencies to curb illegal migration and strengthen maritime safety. He urged parents and guardians to discourage young people from attempting to board seagoing vessels illegally, noting the serious risks involved.